Duchess of Malfi Quotes Flashcards
“visit and old anchorite for devotion”
2.4- Julia tells the Cardinal the excuse she used to go and see him to engage in their affair- the statement is ironic.
“‘twas just like one that hath a little fingering on the lute yet cannot tune it”
2.4- Cardinal to Julia about her previous dissatisfaction- sexual
“For I account the honourablest revenge”
4.1- Ferdinand to the Duchess- patriarchal power- leading her to dispair
“You are very cold. I fear you are not well after your travel”
4.1- Duchess caring for Ferdinand- actually a dead man’s hand- manipulation
“There is a kind of honeydew that’s deadly: ‘twill poison your fame”
1.2- Ferdinand warns the Duchess about ruining her reputation- attracted to sweetness that is deadly
“I have taken you off your melancholy perch, Bore you upon my fist, and showed you game”
2.4- the Cardinal makes more sexual references to Julia, suggesting her saved her from boredom and dissatisfaction.
“You already know what man is.”
1.2- the Cardinal references her previous marriage, suggesting that she cannot be with another man because she is already impure.
“I did vow never to part with it, But to my second husband”
1.2- the Duchess wittily remarks that she wasn’t going to part with her wedding ring but to the next person she marries, insinuating to Antonio that she wants that to be him.
“Diamonds are of most value, they say, that have passed through most jewellers hands”
1.2- the Duchess is not afraid to stand up to her brothers and comments on the fact that she can remarry, using this witty statement.
“How doth our sister Duchess bear herself in her imprisonment”
4.1- Ferdinand locks the Duchess away for marrying Antonio, then comes to visit her- physically restricting her sexuality/ freedom.
“The marriage night is the entering into some prison”
1.2- the Cardinal suggests that the Duchess would be less free in a marriage- foreshadows them imprisoning her instead.
“I’ll go hunt the badger by owl-light, ‘Tis a deed of darkness”
4.2- Ferdinand is going insane, descending into Lycanthropy.
“Her days are practised in such noble virtue That sure her nights… Are more in heaven than other ladies shrifts”
1.1- the Duchess is introduced as extremely devoted, respectable and pure by Antonio.
“Who would be afraid on’t, Knowing to meet such excellent company in the other world?”
4.2- the Duchess does not fear death, as she looks forward to seeing Antonio and her children again in death- dramatic irony as they aren’t dead.
“Where he is jealous of any man he lays worse plots for them than ever was imposed on Hercules.”
1.1- Antonio reveals the Cardinal to be extremely immoral, cruel and jealous, suggesting that he puts other people through torture to remain powerful and strong in society.
